Rwandan President Paul Kagame has publicly expressed his disappointment and frustration with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s handling of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kagame’s comments come amidst escalating tensions in the region. He stated that if South Africa seeks confrontation, Rwanda is prepared to respond at any time.Kagame’s criticism of Ramaphosa centers on the South African president’s alleged misrepresentation of conversations between the two leaders regarding the DRC conflict. Kagame emphasized the need for accurate and truthful communication in resolving the crisis.
Using his Official X (formerly Twitter) handle ,President Kagame clarified that the recent series of conversations between President Ramaphosa and himself regarding the situation in Eastern DRC has been grossly misrepresented in public statements. To set the record straight, we’ll delve into the key clarifications provided.
The Rwanda Defence Force: An Army, Not a Militia
Contrary to some claims, the Rwanda Defence Force is, in fact, an army, not a militia. This distinction is crucial in understanding the complex dynamics at play in Eastern DRC.
SAMIDRC: A Belligerent Force, Not Peacekeepers
SAMIDRC, authorized by SADC, is not a peacekeeping force but rather a belligerent force engaging in offensive combat operations. This has contributed to the escalation of violence in the region.
Displacement of EACRF and Failed Negotiations
The displacement of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) by SAMIDRC has hindered negotiation processes. This development has significant implications for regional stability.
President Ramaphosa’s Statements: A Call for Support, Not a Warning
President Ramaphosa’s conversations have been misquoted, with some claiming he issued a “warning.” However, the president merely requested support to ensure the South African force has adequate resources.
M23 and South African Soldiers: Setting the Record Straight
Contrary to initial reports, President Ramaphosa confirmed that FARDC, not M23, was responsible for the killing of South African soldiers.
South Africa’s Role: Contributing to Peaceful Solutions
While South Africa’s contributions to peaceful solutions are welcome, it’s essential to acknowledge that the country is not in a position to take on the role of a peacemaker or mediator.
As the Goma crisis grinds on, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi skipped the EAC emergency meeting but gave a defiant national address, declaring that Kinshasa “will not let itself be humiliated or crushed” and accusing Rwanda of sending “thousands of soldiers” to eastern DRC.The Extra-Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State, chaired by President Ruto, aimed to address the escalating situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A key outcome of the summit was the agreement that President Tshisekedi should engage in dialogue with his armed opponents, a crucial step towards finding a peaceful resolution.
The EAC’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region are ongoing. Previous summits have emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving conflicts, as seen in the Nairobi Process on the restoration of peace in eastern DRC.